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Teach-Out Experts
The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have sparked a wave of renewed protests against police brutality across the United States. These nationwide uprisings have transformed into an intense interest from the public around understanding systemic racism and abuse of power. Millions of Americans and people around the world are watching incidents of police violence and excessive force captured on video, but are looking to learn about the inequalities at the root of these incidents. While the calls of Black Lives Matter protesters to #DefundThePolice are being heard for the first time by many Americans, they are part of a longstanding effort by communities and activists to reinvest in communities rather than policing and prisons. In this course, you will learn about the history of police violence in America, become aware of laws and policies that prevent accountability, understand the demands of protesters, and gain the knowledge and tools to fight for change locally. The content for this Community Awareness course is adapted from a Teach-Out launched in July of 2020 from experts from across the United States involved in activism, social work, law, government, and higher education.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2ayqr8/community
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction and History
An introductory history to the roots of modern policing in the United States.
Understanding the Impact of Police Violence
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction and History
An introductory history to the roots of modern policing in the United States.
Understanding the Impact of Police Violence
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the deeply relevant issues of systemic racism and excessive use of force by police that Americans are witnessing captured on video
Meets the needs of Americans newly awakened to the issue of police brutality and those who have been working to address it for some time
Taught by esteemed experts across the United States involved in activism, social work, law, government, and higher ed, ensuring a comprehensive and authoritative approach
Delivers a thorough understanding of the history of police violence in America, the laws and policies that prevent accountability, and the demands of protesters
Empowers learners to take action by providing resources, advice, and strategies for planning positive change in their communities
Content adapted from a Teach-Out launched in July 2020, indicating the course is up-to-date on the latest developments in this rapidly changing landscape
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Reviews summary
Understanding police brutality and community action
According to learners, "Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S." is a highly impactful and crucial course offering a comprehensive understanding of a vital social issue. Students praise its rich historical context and expert perspectives, delivered in an accessible manner. Many find the content timely and empowering, providing actionable strategies for change. While it offers a powerful overview, some wished for more in-depth community action examples or found it occasionally emotionally resonant, making it more introductory for those seeking extensive academic depth.
Clear and respectful delivery makes complex topics understandable.
"The lectures were clear and the readings were insightful."
"The instructors were knowledgeable and presented information respectfully."
"The way they explain complex concepts in an accessible manner is commendable."
Equips learners with practical tools for community engagement.
"I particularly appreciated the actionable strategies presented in the final module."
"It really delivers on its promise to provide tools for fighting for change."
"I feel much more informed and empowered now... I appreciated the focus on community action."
Grounds understanding in deep historical and expert insights.
"The historical context was vital, and the experts' perspectives provided a nuanced view."
"The history section was good... I gained a lot from this experience."
"The segments with guest speakers and activists were incredibly moving and informative."
Provides a thorough and emotionally resonant understanding.
"This course was incredibly eye-opening and well-structured... handled with care and depth. Highly recommend."
"Absolutely essential learning. The course content is impactful, providing a comprehensive look at the issue from multiple angles."
"This course is timely and crucial. It offers a clear, concise, yet comprehensive overview of a deeply complex issue."
Some found the content introductory or perceived bias.
"I was looking for something more academically rigorous or specific policy solutions... it might be a bit basic."
"I found the course to be quite biased in its presentation. It felt more like an activist's guide..."
"The course felt a bit emotionally charged at times, which made it hard for me to engage objectively."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S. with these
activities:
Read 'The New Jim Crow'
Show steps
Provides historical and sociological context for understanding the roots of modern policing in the United States.
View
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first chapter.
-
Identify the key arguments and evidence presented by the author.
-
Consider the implications of the author's analysis for understanding police violence.
-
Write a brief summary of the main points of the book.
Attend a Community Forum
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with community members, listen to their perspectives, and learn about local initiatives.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Find a community forum or town hall meeting in your area.
-
Attend the forum and actively listen to the discussions.
-
Share your own thoughts and perspectives respectfully.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Creates a supportive environment for discussing course material, sharing perspectives, and developing a deeper understanding.
Browse courses on
Peer Support
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with other students in the course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course material, ask questions, and share insights.
-
Engage in peer feedback and support each other's learning.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in Role-Playing Exercises
Show steps
Develops practical skills in de-escalating tense situations and interacting with communities effectively.
Browse courses on
De-escalation Techniques
Show steps
-
Attend a role-playing workshop or training.
-
Practice role-playing different scenarios involving police interactions.
-
Reflect on your experiences and identify areas for improvement.
Create a Social Media Campaign
Show steps
Develops skills in using social media to raise awareness and mobilize support for police reform initiatives.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Identify a specific issue related to police violence or misconduct.
-
Create a social media campaign that includes a hashtag, graphics, and key messages.
-
Use social media to engage with followers, share information, and encourage action.
-
Monitor the campaign's progress and make adjustments as needed.
-
Evaluate the impact of the social media campaign.
Volunteer with a Community Organization
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience working with communities affected by police violence and offers practical insights into social justice.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Research and identify community organizations working on police reform or racial justice.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend volunteer training and participate in community outreach, advocacy, or support programs.
-
Reflect on your experiences and how they have deepened your understanding of police violence and community issues.
Read 'The New Jim Crow'
Show steps
Provides historical and sociological context for understanding the roots of modern policing in the United States.
View
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first chapter.
- Identify the key arguments and evidence presented by the author.
- Consider the implications of the author's analysis for understanding police violence.
- Write a brief summary of the main points of the book.
Attend a Community Forum
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with community members, listen to their perspectives, and learn about local initiatives.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a community forum or town hall meeting in your area.
- Attend the forum and actively listen to the discussions.
- Share your own thoughts and perspectives respectfully.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Creates a supportive environment for discussing course material, sharing perspectives, and developing a deeper understanding.
Browse courses on
Peer Support
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with other students in the course.
- Meet regularly to discuss course material, ask questions, and share insights.
- Engage in peer feedback and support each other's learning.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in Role-Playing Exercises
Show steps
Develops practical skills in de-escalating tense situations and interacting with communities effectively.
Browse courses on
De-escalation Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend a role-playing workshop or training.
- Practice role-playing different scenarios involving police interactions.
- Reflect on your experiences and identify areas for improvement.
Create a Social Media Campaign
Show steps
Develops skills in using social media to raise awareness and mobilize support for police reform initiatives.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific issue related to police violence or misconduct.
- Create a social media campaign that includes a hashtag, graphics, and key messages.
- Use social media to engage with followers, share information, and encourage action.
- Monitor the campaign's progress and make adjustments as needed.
- Evaluate the impact of the social media campaign.
Volunteer with a Community Organization
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience working with communities affected by police violence and offers practical insights into social justice.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify community organizations working on police reform or racial justice.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend volunteer training and participate in community outreach, advocacy, or support programs.
- Reflect on your experiences and how they have deepened your understanding of police violence and community issues.
Career center
Learners who complete Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S. will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Activist
Activist
This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to be an effective activist. Activists must be aware of the history of police violence in America, the laws and policies that prevent accountability, and the demands of protesters. This course will help you understand the root causes of police brutality and how to fight for change.
Politician
Politician
The course, Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S., grants a strong foundation for those interested in a career in politics. Politicians must be well-versed in matters of public concern, such as police violence and systemic racism. The course delves deep into both these issues, giving insight into the historical roots of police violence, and the current laws and policies that affect it. Understanding the demands of protesters and the tools available to fight for change is imperative for those wishing to enter the political arena and enact meaningful change.
Educator
Educator
The course is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and tools they need to teach about police brutality and systemic racism. Educators must be able to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity. This course will provide the foundational knowledge they will need to do just that, and can help them advocate for their students.
Lawyer
Lawyer
The course would be helpful for those interested in practicing law. Lawyers must be familiar with the laws and policies that surround police violence to provide effective representation to their clients. The course provides an overview of some of the many costs of police violence to the lives of individuals and communities impacted.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
The course can assist in your career if you are interested in becoming a community organizer. Community organizers must be able to bring people together to address issues in their communities. They must have a strong understanding of the history of police violence and systemic racism in order to effectively organize their communities.
Social Worker
Social Worker
This course could be useful for those interested in a career in social work. Social workers must be aware of the impact of police violence on individuals and communities, as well as the laws and policies that prevent accountability. The course offers an overview of some of the many costs of police violence, as well as an understanding of the demands of protesters.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
This course may be useful for those interested in a career in policy analysis. Policy analysts must be able to research and analyze policies related to police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to make effective policy recommendations.
Journalist
Journalist
The course can help you achieve your goals if you are interested in becoming a journalist. Journalists must be able to accurately report on police violence and systemic racism. They must have an understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality. This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to do just that.
Researcher
Researcher
The course may be useful for those interested in a career in research. Researchers must be able to conduct research on police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to conduct effective research.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
The course may be useful for those interested in a career in nonprofit management. Nonprofit managers must be able to manage organizations that provide services to victims of police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to effectively manage their organizations.
Program Manager
Program Manager
The course will help build a foundation for those interested in a career in program management. Program managers must be able to manage programs that address police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to effectively manage their programs.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
The course is a valuable resource for those interested in a career in grant writing. Grant writers must be able to write grants that fund programs that address police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to write effective grants.
Fundraiser
Fundraiser
The course may be helpful for those interested in a career in fundraising. Fundraisers must be able to raise funds for organizations that provide services to victims of police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to effectively raise funds.
Communications Manager
Communications Manager
The course may be useful for those interested in a career in communications management. Communications managers must be able to manage communications for organizations that address police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to effectively manage communications.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
The course may be useful for those interested in a career in marketing management. Marketing managers must be able to market organizations that address police violence and systemic racism. They must have a strong understanding of the history, causes, and consequences of police brutality in order to effectively market their organizations.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2ayqr8/community
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Community Awareness: Police Brutality in the U.S. .
Provides a comprehensive analysis of the history of mass incarceration in the United States and its disproportionate impact on communities of color.
This autobiography provides a firsthand account of the life of Malcolm X, one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement.
Examines the history of policing and its impact on black men in America.
Save
Provides a detailed account of the history of racial segregation in America and its impact on the lives of black Americans.
Save
This graphic novel trilogy tells the story of John Lewis's life and his involvement in the civil rights movement.
Provides a concise history of policing in America.
Save
This documentary film examines the case of Randall Dale Adams, a man who was wrongly convicted of murder.
Save
Argues that the current model of policing is broken and offers a vision for a new approach to public safety.
Save
Examines the history of white rage in America and its impact on race relations.
This classic work of literature explores the experiences of black Americans in the early 20th century.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2ayqr8/community
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